Restoration Hardware’s loss is Sundance Catalog Co.’s gain. Stephen Gordon, founder/chairman of Corte Madera, CA-based furnishings cataloger/retailer Restoration Hardware, has resigned to assume the position CEO at Salt Lake City, UT-based Sundance, an upscale merchant of artisanal furniture, apparel, and gifts.
From 1980, when he founded Restoration Hardware, till 2001, Gordon was CEO of the company. During that time it grew to encompass more than 100 stores, in addition to its direct sector. Current CEO Gary Friedman succeeded Gordon four years ago
“Obviously as chairman of the board, [Gordon] sat on big, macro issues,” says marketing director David Glassman. “But he also has been involved in merchandising and a lot of gadgets and ‘discovery items’–those quirky, out-of-the-ordinary items you wouldn’t expect to find in, say, a Pottery Barn came from his ideas and travels.”
Until a permanent replacement can be found for him at Restoration Hardware, Friedman will serve as interim chairman of the board of directors. Glassman says he has not caught wind of any major changes to the brand or corporate structure, which is slated to post revenue of approximately $500 million for 2004, since Friedman has been the one handling the day-to-day leadership of Restoration for the past four years.
In a statement, Sundance board chairman Don Steiner said of Gordon, “He is one of those rare people who combines creative sensibility with sound business judgment. I am confident that he will continue to build upon the proud heritage of the Sundance brand.”